The International Criminal Court (ICC) has publicly identified British barrister Peter Haynes as the new legal counsel for former President Rodrigo Duterte following the withdrawal of Atty. Nicholas Kaufman from the defense team.

In a document dated May 8, 2026, Kaufman formally requested permission from ICC Trial Chamber III to withdraw as Duterte’s counsel, stating that the former president had decided to release him from representation and appoint replacement counsel.

The filing confirmed that Haynes was “ready, willing, and able” to immediately assume representation and attend the status conference scheduled on May 27, 2026.

According to the ICC filing, Kaufman said he had already spoken with Haynes and that the terms of engagement had been finalized. He also expressed confidence that Duterte’s legal representation would remain effective under the new counsel and the existing defense team.

The ICC earlier accepted Kaufman’s withdrawal request, which came as Duterte’s camp reorganized its defense team ahead of the trial phase of the crimes against humanity case linked to the controversial anti-drug campaign during his administration.

Haynes is a prominent British barrister specializing in international criminal and humanitarian law. Based on his professional background, he has more than 25 years of experience handling cases before international tribunals in The Hague, including the ICC, the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

Reports also noted that Duterte’s legal team has been undergoing restructuring in preparation for the next stage of proceedings as the ICC case moves closer to trial.